Organisers of the Let’s Get Active 2012 campaign are hoping that the 1948 Olympic Torch will spark interest in sporting activities in the borough and inspire even more people to make regular activity a part of their lifestyle in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.
The Let’s Get Active committee is working with communities to offer Olympic-inspired events throughout the year. Highlights include a tour involving the 1948 Olympic Torch (2-5 June 2012) being led by the West Norfolk Sports Council, where the 1948 torch will be carried into over 80 villages in West Norfolk and beyond. Many villages will be hosting events, full details of which will be released soon.
To celebrate the launch of this year of activity the 1948 torch will be brought to Hunstanton Town Hall on Wednesday 16 November at 10 am and former Olympian Paul Evans will be sharing his coaching skills with the next generation of Olympic hopefuls as he runs sessions with young Sports Leaders from Smithdon High School.
The Deputy Borough Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Watson, Hunstanton Town Mayor, Cllr Carol Bowers, a representative from Downham Market Town Council, Hunstanton ward councillor, Cllr Richard Bird and West Norfolk Sports Council relay event co-ordinator, Paul Brandon will all gather to mark the occasion.
Borough Council Cabinet Member, Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, said: ““The Let’s Get Active 2012 campaign will showcase the many fun and exciting ways people can celebrate the Olympics. As well as marking this momentous year, we want there to be a lasting legacy here in west Norfolk and hope that people will use the events to find out about new ways to get active in the borough this year and into the future.”
Paul Brandon said: "Villages that I’ve spoken to about the 1948 torch tour around the borough have been really enthusiastic. Many villages are making exciting plans for when the torch passes through. Downham Market is having the torch lead their annual carnival and RAF Marham is exploring unique possibilities. I’m sure the whole weekend will be an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all the communities involved."
The year of activity will begin on 1 January 2012 with the Resolution Ramble - an invigorating 5-mile walk along the coast from Hunstanton to Heacham and back again. Entry is free. The ramble is being organised by Hunstanton Town Council for more information or to enter please visit www.letsgetactive.org.uk or call 01485 532189.
Cllr Richard Bird, who has organised the Resolution Ramble on behalf of the town council, said: “We in Hunstanton look forward to seeing as many people as possible at 10.30am on 1 January 2012 for the Resolution Ramble. The five-mile ramble will start Olympic year with a commitment to a fit person year. The 1948 Olympic Torch will be available for individuals to hold for photographs at the ramble - booking advised, please call 01485 532189."
For more information about the campaign please visit www.letsgetactive.org.uk. The calendar of events will be posted here so residents are encouraged to visit regularly so that they can find out about events near them.
